When I was just getting started in photography one of the best professional photographers in town took a few minutes out of his extremely busy day to review my “portfolio”. It was mildly embarrassing, but he let me down easy. Looking back on it now, I laugh at myself for thinking it would go differently. He was very correct though; I had some nice pictures, but his words were true “you need to tell a story with your photographs”

Now, in the context to which he was speaking, as a newspaper photographer, I thought that his words were somewhat askew. “Surely, as a hobbyist photographer there wasn’t much I could gain from heeding his advice” I thought. But then it hit me one day: as photographs go, every good photograph I’d ever seen told a story or conveyed a message. Whether it was the famous photograph from atop the Empire State Building of the workers eating lunch on the beam or the infamous photograph from the Vietnam war of a South Vietnamese officer executing a suspected Viet Cong officer, the upshot is that the best photographs are those which convey a story.

Usually, telling the story involves people and now every time I see a scene I begin looking for people who may be about to step into it. Figuring out exactly where I’d like them to be when I snap the frame. As opposed to a boat on the side of the harbor, it’s a sailor boarding the boat, late at night, silhouetted by the harsh harbor-side lights, perhaps about to set sail on a long journey home to Spain.

The words from the more seasoned photographer echo every single time I’m about to shoot a photo.. “tell a story”.

So now I do every chance I can.

Me and Dad taking in the stars at the cabin

This is a photo of something I grew up doing my entire life: sitting out on the wharf at the cabin with dad, watching the stars, satellites and planes go past. This is probably one of my most favorite photos I’ve ever shot. I just wanted to share the thoughts that went into making it and maybe give you an idea of what truly makes a photograph.

If you’ve not caught on from previous posts you should know that Sean Power is a complete mentalist when it comes to skateboarding.

Here’s why:

Sean Power, Hard Shovit over the 8 stair | Nikon D3, 24-70 2x SB800's

The Stairdown

Another hardshovit pic | Nikon D3 16mm Fisheye, Sb800

Kris Stamp begging for the lamp to come on

Oh and Josh Kelly too, steezy | Nikon D3, first shot, 70200 sb800's

oh and here’s some code for Empire Avenue: EAVB_MOSRLDVBNW

Of all the musicians to perform at the 2010 Wreckhouse Festival last month, the one I looked forward to most was Morgan Davis. The funny thing is, I’d never heard of him just 24 hours before seeing him live. After checking out some interviews and music, I changed plans for travel just to see him perform on a sweaty Saturday night at the Fat Cat club.

He did not disappoint.

Firstly, upon my arrival he called me out — mid-song mind you, with a wry smile on his face — asking for no open mouth shots. Then he advised me the photos better not end up on the internet and should they, his lawyers: Smith & Wesson would take care of me… He was heckling me. Awesome :)

Due to my having to get shots of every other act on stage at the same time I only caught a couple songs from Mr. Davis… But, luck came my way as I bumped into him on the street afterward and told him how much I enjoy his music.

He asked me if I minded him poking fun at me.

I told him it made my day.

He was still in his pinstripe overalls.

Visit his website here www.morgandavis.com

Check out some videos on his facebook fanpage.

Click to see more pics from Morgan Davis during the Wreckhouse in St. John’s

Despite my love of street photography, The Royal St. John’s Regatta is not usually marked down on my calendar as a must see event. Between the crowds, weather and parking it just doesn’t appeal to me.

But this year Ashley (a.k.a my girlfriend) was the coxswain for the Proactive Physiotherapy crew. The months of early rises and late suppers finally paid off as they reached the ladies championship race, shaving off nearly a full minute from Time Trails about a month earlier.

Unfortunately, they didn’t win the championship race but just getting there was “quite a feather in their caps”.

Congrats guys and here’s to next year!

mmmm gold

This will not be an entirely biased review of Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers. I did not grow up listening to every Buddy Wasisname album since Makin’ for the Harbour which came out not three years after my birth. I do not know all the words to Sarah, The Hillside in September or Shinny On The Ice, to name a few. I never go to any shows within a 200km radius. I did not meet Mr. Blackmore when I was a kid in Marble Mountain’s old chalet during one of their shows. I would not giggle like a little girl if I were to meet them again.

OK, Ok. I’ll admit it, they’re my heroes. All of them, not just Kevin a.k.a Buddy, but Rocky and Chaulky too. From the jigs-n-reels to comedic breaks, all brought together nicely with the timeless Newfoundland odes and songs… I’m a fan of it all.

And nothing says “Newfoundlandia” quite like a performance by Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers on George Street, opened by none other then Rex Goudie himself. If memory serves they opened with Make ‘n’ Break Hornpipe and the not oft performed Mr. McGuire Sit Down. Personally, I was absolutely thrilled to hear Mr. McGuire Sit Down as it’s my all-time favorite Buddy Wasisname song and haven’t seen it live in years. They played straight for almost an hour and a half, mixing upbeat jigs with songs that’ll bring a tear to the eye. As well, they did Chainsaw Earl which they wrote sometime in 1991. Almost 20 years on it still had everyone in stitches.

You want more? Click here to see even more snaps of Rex Goudie and Buddy Wasisname